summary
Introduced
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
In Committee
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Crossed Over
02/14/2026
02/14/2026
Passed
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; AMENDING THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE ACT; REQUIRING SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO REPORT MEMBERSHIP ESTIMATES OF STUDENTS TO BE ENROLLED AS DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS; REQUIRING SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO MAINTAIN CERTAIN RECORDS REGARDING STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM; EXCLUDING A SCHOOL DISTRICT'S MEMBERSHIP OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS FROM THE CALCULATION FOR SIZE ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM UNITS; AMENDING THE STATEWIDE CYBER ACADEMY ACT AND RENAMING THAT ACT THE "DISTANCE LEARNING ACT"; REMOVING EXISTING DEFINITIONS AND DEFINING NEW TERMS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE ACT AND THE DISTANCE LEARNING ACT; REMOVING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATEWIDE CYBER ACADEMY BE A COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM; PROVIDING ALL-NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS THAT OPERATE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS; PLACING RESTRICTIONS ON STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS AND PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS; CLARIFYING THE REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS REGARDING DISTANCE LEARNING AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES; REQUIRING PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OF DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS; PROVIDING A PROCESS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR APPROVAL OF A PROGRAM; MAKING CONFORMING AMENDMENTS; ENACTING TEMPORARY PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE ACT; ENACTING TEMPORARY PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE DISTANCE LEARNING ACT; REPEALING SECTION 22-30-8 NMSA 1978 (BEING LAWS 2007, CHAPTER 292, SECTION 7 AND LAWS 2007, CHAPTER 293, SECTION 7); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Public Education Changes," aims to significantly reform how distance learning is managed and funded within New Mexico's public school system. Key provisions include requiring school districts and charter schools to report estimated enrollment of "distance learning students" (qualified students enrolled in a full-time virtual program) and to maintain specific records for these students. The bill also excludes these distance learning students from calculations used for the "size adjustment program units," which are additional funding units provided to smaller schools. The existing "Statewide Cyber Academy Act" is renamed the "Distance Learning Act," and its definitions are updated to focus on full-time distance learning programs. New requirements are established for schools operating distance learning programs, including restrictions on student enrollment, particularly for younger grades, and limitations on the percentage of a school's total enrollment that can be in a distance learning program, with exceptions for students with disabilities or during public health emergencies. Furthermore, all distance learning programs will require approval from the Public Education Department, which will establish an application and review process. The bill also includes temporary provisions for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, addressing issues like adjusted unit values and restrictions on enrollment in programs operated by for-profit third parties, and repeals an existing section related to the Statewide Cyber Academy.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House has concurred with Senate Amendments (on 02/19/2026)
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